Luxury Vacations in Arizona's Largest Metros

Thanks in part to the state’s abundance of sunshine and scenery, Arizona has built an impressive luxury scene—from resorts of all sizes to high-end excursions and concierges who create bespoke vacations. Here are some of our favorite luxe options in Tucson and the Greater Phoenix area worth considering.

Resorts, retreats and destination spa-ah-mazing

A warmly lit spa room with candles and American Indian decor

Relax and recharge without worrying about a thing at one of Arizona’s world-renowned stunning resorts.

Float in the pool with a refreshing beverage of your choice while absorbing the sun and breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain at The Phoenician in Scottsdale. Take the waters at CIVANA's one of a kind hydrotherapy circuit's one of a kind hydrotherapy circuit featuring alternating hot and cool water treatments to refresh the mind and rejuvenate the spirit. Or, for more earthly remedies, partake in time-honored Native American healing practices at the Aji Spa at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler.

Two hours south of Phoenix, Tucson offers two awe-inspiring and highly acclaimed retreats—Miraval and Canyon Ranch. Through an array of spa and wellness activities, such as personalized nutrition plans and even custom spiritual and physical fitness programs, these sprawling destination resorts offer a holistic approach to relaxation.

Let a guided tour show you Arizona from a new perspective

Purple, orange, pink and blue-hued clouds fill the sky at sunset over South Mountain in Phoenix

Arizona's sunsets are among the most photographed, and for good reason, with vibrant splashes of orange, purple, red and pink streaked across the sky. Witness the surreal beauty up close with hot air balloon company Rainbow Ryders, which offers private sunset tours over the Phoenix desert. Make sure to finish your flight with their signature Prickly Pear Cocktail.

Have a special occasion you wish to celebrate? Hot Air Expeditions offers group or private flights over Phoenix and Tucson. They will even help make the moment extra special with basket banners, celebratory cake, commemorative champagne flute and more.

Want to see Arizona from the sky but not in an air balloon? Westwind Air Service's aerial tours span the state. Its Valley of the Sun Tour highlights the stunning beauty of the Sonoran Desert, Tonto National Forest, Lake Pleasant and the Horseshoe Reservoir. They also have Grand Canyon and Sedona tours departing from Phoenix daily.

Not a fan of heights? No worries.

DETOURS American West has a number of private day trips throughout Arizona. Ride in their top of the line custom touring (and air-conditioned) vehicles as you explore Phoenix and Scottsdale, the Arizona Fresh Foodie Trail, or the Apache Trail and Canyon Lake.

If vacationing south of Phoenix, don't miss your chance to see Arizona's beautiful wine country courtesy of Arizona Winery Tours. Relax in a luxurious minibus as you travel from Tucson to the Sonoita and Wilcox wine regions, Arizona's two American Viticultural Area (AVA)-designated areas. Tour several vineyards, enjoy a delicious lunch and pick up some bottles of wine to take home.

Go green on the golf course

A look at the mountains from the golfer's point of view

There are plenty of beautiful and diverse golf courses all throughout Arizona (link to Beauty is Par for the Course). Voted the best resort golf course in Arizona by Golfweek Magazine, Ventana Canyon in north Tucson, features two 18-hole, Tom Fazio-designed courses across a 600-acre pristine desert preserve. Book a private lesson with one of their PGA professionals and end your day basking in the views of the Catalina Mountains.

For more one-on-one coaching, The Boulders Golf Course offers private training golf packages from top instructors such as Donald Crawley, one of the top 100 teachers in Arizona as ranked by Golf Magazine. When you’re finished, go for a dip in the pool or rest in your own private villa or hacienda.

Arizona's AAA fine dining = local ingredients + gorgeous views

When it comes to fine dining in Arizona, it's a toss-up which is more impressive: the menus or the views.

Kai at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler is the only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star restaurant in Arizona. Crafted using locally harvested ingredients from the Gila River Indian community, Chef de Cuisine Ryan Swanson's menu takes further inspiration from the Pima and Maricopa tribes with dishes such as the Pee-Posh Garden dish featuring nopales and tepary beans and the Grilled Tenderloin of Tribal Buffalo with saguaro blossom syrup.

Nearby on the top of North Mountain in Phoenix, AAA Four Diamond restaurant Different Pointe of View, has been delighting discerning diners for 35 years. True to its name, the restaurant's floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the city below. The views plus Chef Anthony DeMuro's innovative menu results in frequent bookings—reservations are strongly encouraged.

Located on the Farm at South Mountain (also in Phoenix), Quiessence at the Farm is a AAA Four Diamond restaurant specializing in seasonally inspired, locally produced food. Make sure to plan enough time to walk the Soil and Seed Garden overseen by Chef Dustin. Produce grown in this garden are used as inspiration for each meal ensuring each meal is unique as the menu changes based on seasonal growing patterns.

Experience the Arizona of yesteryear at the historic The Grill at Hacienda Del Sol in Tucson. Another AAA Four Diamond restaurant, The Grill features tasty food, historical architecture, breathtaking views of the desert and mountains, and frequent performances by local musicians. Leave enough time to walk the grounds and explore the same paths once enjoyed by stars like Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn.

Shopping and splurge-worthy activities for the adventurous

Shoppers walk through a bright and airy shopping mall

Feel the need… the need for speed as you race exotic cars like an FFR Cobra, Ferrari 488, Lamborghini Huracan, a Ford GT40 and more. Racing Adventures has a number of cars to choose from and no experience is needed as they even provide the training. There is even the option to test drive multiple cars on the same visit.

If you prefer your thrills from exclusive goods, head to any of Arizona's high-end shopping centers. La Encantada in northern Tucson features retailers such as Apple, Coach, Tiffany & Co., and Williams-Sonoma in an outdoor, plaza-like layout. Or head indoors at Scottsdale Fashion Square which is home to retailers like AllSaints, Bottega Veneta, Cartier and Louis Vuitton. Make sure to text the concierge service to assist with valet, restaurant reservations, package carry-out assistance and more.

Need a break from planning? Specialized services like Concierge Extraordinaire handle all of the planning and logistics from luxury transportation, including private jet flights, wine tastings, personal chefs, and tickets for VIP experiences.

Please note: Some attractions are open year-round and some are open seasonally or move to seasonal hours. To ensure the places you want to see are open on your travel dates; please check their website for hours of operation.